Beyond Gold: Tanzania’s Expanding Mineral Frontier

For decades, Tanzania’s mining identity has been dominated by gold. Major operations such as Geita Gold Mine have helped position the country as one of Africa’s leading gold producers. But the next chapter of Tanzania’s mining industry may look very different. According to STAMICO, several new prospecting licences are now available across multiple mineral categories including iron ore, tin, bauxite, gypsum, manganese, marble and phosphate. These deposits span nearly every major geological belt in the country, from the Usagaran formations in the south to the Lake Victoria goldfields in the north.  Iron ore prospects in Njombe, located near the famous Liganga–Mchuchuma deposits, indicate the potential for large-scale steel industry development. Geological studies show the presence of titaniferous magnetic bodies associated with gabbroic formations, suggesting substantial iron resources. Meanwhile, tin mineralization in Karagwe reflects the region’s long-standing reputation as a host for cassiterite-bearing granites. Tin remains an important industrial metal used in electronics, solder and packaging.  Phosphate exploration near Bahi in Dodoma could also support fertilizer production, a strategic sector for agricultural productivity and food security.  Taken together, these prospects illustrate a broader transformation underway in Tanzania’s mining sector. The country is no longer relying solely on gold. Instead, it is positioning itself as a diversified mineral economy capable of supplying industrial metals, construction materials and energy-transition minerals. For investors willing to enter the exploration stage, Tanzania’s geology still holds vast untapped potential.